What is Freiberg’s Disease (Freiberg’s Infraction) and how can it be treated?

Book a free Intro call today to discuss your treatment options for Freiberg’s Disease

The Sajid Shariff clinic is the leading, private orthopaedic Kent-based clinic that can help, listen and advise on a wide range of treatments for Freiberg’s Disease. Book a free Intro call with our Medical Secretary to discuss the treatment options available.

What is Freiberg’s Disease?

Freiberg’s Disease is an uncommon condition that can result in severe arthritis of the 2nd and 3rd toe metatarso-phalangeal joints (MTPJ). There are several theories regarding the pathology but it is probably the result of interference in the blood supply to the metatarsal head which leads to a change in the shape of the head.
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Symptoms of Freiberg’s Disease

Early symptoms of are of Freiberg’s Disease include pain and associated swelling of the forefoot. Later stiffness and deformity occurs as the condition develops.
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Kent’s Holistic Foot & Ankle specialists

The Sajid Shariff clinic is a private orthopaedic clinic based in SE London and Kent that specialises in surgical and non-surgical treatment of foot and ankle conditions including Freiberg’s Disease, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, bunions and achilles tendonitis.

Keep an eye on the shape of your feet; if you see changes see a doctor to find out if there are any recommendations to prevent hallux valgus from forming

Use a variety of exercises to stretch your feet and calves

Try to avoid shoes that have a heel or pointed toe

Diagnosis of Freiberg’s Disease

History and examination are important in the diagnosis of Freiberg’s Disease as in early presentation there is often no changes to be seen on X-ray. MRI scans can help to clarify the diagnosis with a change in signal seen on the scan. More advanced disease will be seen on X-ray as flattening of the joint surface of the metatarsal head and eventually arthritis of the MTPJ with sometimes loose bodies and osteophyte (bone spur) formation.

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Treatments we offer for Freiberg’s Disease

Non Surgical Treatments

Treatment of the early stages of the disease is aimed at relieving pain and maintaining the normal shape of the joint. This is done by offloading the joint in an orthopaedic shoe or boot. If pain persists then steroid injections can help.

Surgical Treatments

Surgical treatment of a 2nd or 3rd MTPJ that has developed arthritic changes poses a challenge. Debridement of the joint by smoothing out the rough edges, removing loose bodies and bone spurs has been shown to improve pain and stiffness but often the patient will continue to experience some symptoms. In some cases, a Weils osteotomy (cutting the bone) to shorten the metatarsal and bring it to a more elevated level can be successful at improving symptoms.

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Book a call with one of our team

Find out how we can help you with Freiberg’s Disease with non-surgical and surgery treatments. Simply fill in this contact form and our Medical Secretary will be in touch to schedule a time that works for you.
  • If you wish to proceed after your Introductory call with one of our team, a face to face consultation with Dr Sajid Shariff costs £200.
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